www.chashow.org in Orlando!

Hey! I'm leaving for something better than Disney in Orlando. The incredible CHA tradeshow and (new) consumer show. This is their first year in Orlando...the venue changed from Chicago. I'll let you know all about it! This is where the craft store buyers (including Michael's and Joann's) go to buy for their stores. I heard that Expo International has my jacket hanging in their booth. Hooray.

Update on Papaya crop

Well, this is an update on the status of my papaya tree and the first crop. This is the first one to successfully stay on the tree till ripe. Oops, I guess I left it on too long. Over ripe. At least I know it's a "girl" tree. There are two more trees growing along side this one. If anyone knows whether I should let them grow or eliminate them...please tell me. Now I am getting ready to plant a Guava tree. I'll turn this little corner lot into a bit of Hawaii yet! Since most of the posts are about sewing I thought I should sew an apron or something. Maybe a hat...temp feels over a hundred (sweat, sweat).

Keeping Busy With Crafting

I was commissioned by Velcro USA to create a collection of "crafted" projects using their new line of products. It was great working with them because they knew just what they wanted. The new products are useful, elegant, and packaged with style. That's saying a lot for a product that we sometimes take for granted. This new line will be sold in the crafting arena as well as the office supply stores. I'll write more and add a link if I ever see it online. PS. I don't want to actuallly describe the product until I see it unveiled and for sale.

SC Gov. visits Martin County, FL

Gov. Sandford is in Hobe Sound visiting relatives. Hope he goes to the BBQ restaurant or the Catfish hangout while he's here. Hobe Sound is known for their cute boutiques filled with gifts made of the traditional "pink and green" of Palm Beach.

A new twist on a Sundress!

Whew! It's hot out there...hope you're not out there hiking...the Appalachian Trail. Hope you're sitting in a screened lanai sipping on a Mango Mohito wearing your latest creation.

Create a corset or sundress top in bright colors and comfortable cotton. Use as many fabrics as you like...they'll match all your skirts and capris.

Make accessories with the leftover fabric...a ribbon to wear around the neck...a Kelly's Kiss handbag? C'mon, summer is the time to wear whatever you like.

Getting ready for the 4th of July celebration?

Celebrate in style. Make this quick and easy to make purse...and make it reversible. Denim trimmed with red, white, and pink on one side and red, pink, and green on the other side. This great fabric is from the "Prairie Gothic" collection. It has two different borders to work with. It's like getting a whole bunch of fabrics printed on one. See more views of this purse here.

Use free motion sewing to add fun designs quickly!

Now that it's summer...and it's hot as blazes outside...it's time to sit under a cool fan and work on some sewing techniques. You have that stack of quilt tops and gorgeous fabrics that you've been meaning to "quilt". Set aside some quiet time. Gather up your free motion foot, drop the feed dogs on the sewing machine, sandwich some fabric with batting in between and GO! Look in magazines and online for motifs that interest you. Create a line drawing. Use your pencil to trace the outlines a few times. It will help you get accustomed to the curves in the lines. If you like...trace the design on to your fabric using the Dritz Marking Pens with water soluble ink. Sew over the lines. Use a moist Q-Tip to remove the lines before you press. Hmmm...looks pretty good. Now for the stack of quilts...

Use a feather brooch to dress up a purse, jacket lapel or velvet headband.

No time or money to make a fabulous outfit? Just use something you have...add a feather brooch to a black velvet clutch bag, or to a white lace Chico's jacket, or pin it to a wide headband. These brooches would make great accessories for bridesmaids....and one in pure white for the bride. Be creative this summer!

It's summertime...time to make a bunch of new bags!

Check my Etsy store:

http://www.bamboogoddess.etsy.com/

Make a bunch of new handbags, wallets, and small accessories. You can make them up quickly and wear them out the door in a short time. Wear lots of bright pinks and greens and add a great purse handle. Don't worry about if they will match all your outfits. That rule no longer exists. No rules. It's all about YOU!

BTW, I just love this pink and green fabric. It was designed by Jane Sassaman and it's from her Prairie Gothic collection. I'll be listing it on Etsy because I just ordered MORE!

Papaya Treehouse

I'm also growing a papaya tree in honor of my Mom who loved papaya. Well...I may not have a lot of fruit yet but I am providing shelter for a frog. Look right in the center of the photo.